[COLOR=000000]Below is a hardware description of what I am currently using as a USB streamer. (Now that I have a backup running.) But first, this is not an endorsement. There are many, many units/computers I have not tried. I have found this to be relatively inexpensive, reliable, easy to use, and good sounding. There are some DIY abilities required to complete the server. I am not available to provide any help or customer support whatsoever. This is intended to be a report of my experience in making a server only. Finally, this is subject to change as I fiddle with more server solutions (Which over my dead body Schiit will ever manufacture). I'm unlikely to try others for quite a while – my plate is full with my prior stated projects. I refer any further questions to u-toob or head-fi where answers are available. So here is the recipe:[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]Ingredients:[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]1. One used Mac Mini model MC238xxA or (slightly preferred) model MC239xxA (both are late 2009 NOT early 2009 models and $150-$250 on ebay)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]2. Unless the unit is so configured, 8 gig RAM upgrade ($50 or so on ebay)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]3. A SSD (sata 2) with a brand you trust and capacity you need. I use a 1 tera Samsung.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]4. One of those USB to Sata power and signal cables (a very few bucks on Amazon)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]5. For backup, a sata 2 hard drive and case for the drive. This is of course optional, but I still trust mechanical Hds more than SSDs.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]So first, consult u-toob first and take the unit apart and install RAM (To speed up the machine.)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]Visit the Apple Store to download, install, and upgrade to the latest El Capitan (Makes it even faster). (Make your install a fresh install) Download and install Super Duper (what I used – although it was optional, I sent them the $27) to clone the drive. Install the drive in your Mac Mini and put it back together. Finally, in you dislike I-tunes, pick a player you like – this link can be very helpful and there is much info right here on head-fi:[/COLOR]
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[COLOR=386EFF]http://www.head-fi.org/a/mac-os-x-music-players-alternatives-to-itunes[/COLOR][/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]As an added bonus, the multi-drive can be used to rip CDs to your collection.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=000000]A final note, I have tried at least three different Mac Minis, including much faster and newer models. This is THE model to use for the performance criteria I list in the first paragraph, PARTICULARLY the last one.[/COLOR]
Enjoy your reliable, great sound. If you are a victim of Redmond, Wa OS audio, you may be especially pleased.